First Year of Leadership Program a Success, Second Year Cohort Announced

May 24, 2013

This week, 16 members of Wellesley’s administrative staff from a variety of divisions successfully completed the College’s inaugural Leadership Development Program. The Program launched in 2012 to prepare individuals for future leadership roles, and to build the College’s capacity for collaboration and creative problem solving.

The year-long program culminated with a presentation of the cohort’s action learning projects, which focused on three areas: communications for the Diversity & Inclusion initiative, guidelines for the College’s use of social media, and a study of the functioning of Administrative Council at Wellesley.

According to Carolyn Slaboden, interim co-director for human resources, whose team spearheaded the creation of the program, one successful outcome has been the development of cross-divisional relationships. She said, “The bond between the cohort is strong and this foundation will provide them with cross-divisional resources as they approach their work in the future.”

Cohort members agreed with this sentiment. Lauren Dennis, senior assistant director for the Office of Admission, said the Leadership Development Program provided the chance to make lasting connections, hone leadership skills, and contribute ideas that will impact the College’s future. “The opportunity to work on a meaningful cross-institutional project, with colleagues from a wide array of departments, was a highlight of the program for me. I'm grateful to have had the chance to focus on my own professional development for one day each month, and I look forward to not only putting my new skills into practice within my role, but using them to encourage professional development among the student leaders who work for me.”

According to Adam Sutton, principal of Breakthrough Collaboration and a facilitator of the program, a culture of collaborative leadership is built one courageous conversation at a time, and one new understanding at a time. "We are thrilled to have been part of the initial launch and first year experience of the Wellesley LDP." Sutton added: "I have rarely been this moved by the caliber of participants, the openness to learning and seeking new ways to grow, and by the authentic desire to better understand themselves and to move into their own, unique forms of leadership."

In a letter to the Wellesley community, President H. Kim Bottomly congratulated the graduating cohort, and introduced the participants selected for the 2013-14 program: “On Monday, I had the opportunity to join this year’s cohort during their last class, and hear from the 16 individuals about their experience, about the cross-divisional connections they made, and about the new leadership skills they have already begun to employ. From their enthusiasm, it was clear that this program was a valuable resource to them, and I know it will be an important professional development opportunity for administrative staff in the future.”

Finance and Administration Melissa Fletcher, Interim Assistant Vice President for Finance and ControllerMark Roche, General Manager, Wellesley College Club

Office of the Provost and Dean of the College Kevin Chamness, Director of Sponsored Research, Office of Sponsored ResearchRuth Frommer, Assistant Dean of the College for Faculty AppointmentsAndrew Maroney, Manager of Systems, LTSElaine Mehalakes Lucks, Kemper Curator of Academic Programs, Davis MuseumMireille McLaughlin, Assistant Director of International Study, International Study OfficeLaura Sherriff, Public Services Manager, Research and Instructional Support, LTS

Resources and Public Affairs Debbie Mulno, Associate Director, Development Operations and Manager of Gifts and Records AdministrationEmily Randall, Associate Director of The Wellesley FundAnne Yu, Assistant Director of Media Relations